U.S. patent application number 09/785649 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for apparatus, method, and system for remote monitoring of need for assistance based on change in velocity.
Invention is credited to Birnbach, Jeffrey M., Jorgensen, Serge D..
Application Number | 20020116080 09/785649 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25136179 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020116080 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Birnbach, Jeffrey M. ; et
al. |
August 22, 2002 |
Apparatus, method, and system for remote monitoring of need for
assistance based on change in velocity
Abstract
The present invention is an apparatus, method, and system for
remote monitoring of need for assistance based on change in
velocity. One aspect of the invention includes a portable unit that
may be comfortably wearable, having an intelligent control, and a
detector capable of detecting a physical parameter related to
acceleration, and a transmitter. When an acceleration is determined
to exceed a particular threshold, the intelligent control device
instructs a transmitter to send an alert signal. Another aspect of
the invention includes a method of monitoring for need of
assistance by monitoring a physical parameter of the person related
to acceleration and transmitting a need of assistance alert.
Another aspect of the invention involves a system including one or
more monitor units for determining the need for assistance based on
physical parameter related to acceleration, a communications
network for receiving information from the monitored unit and
notifying a third party.
Inventors: |
Birnbach, Jeffrey M.;
(Sarasota, FL) ; Jorgensen, Serge D.; (Sarasota,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKEE, VOORHEES & SEASE, P.L.C.
801 GRAND AVENUE
SUITE 3200
DES MOINES
IA
50309-2721
US
|
Family ID: |
25136179 |
Appl. No.: |
09/785649 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2505/07 20130101;
A61B 5/6801 20130101; G01C 21/20 20130101; A61B 5/1117 20130101;
G01P 15/18 20130101; A61B 5/0002 20130101; A61B 5/1112
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/66 |
International
Class: |
G05B 019/18 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for monitoring movement of a human body as a unit
of mass for possible need of assistance comprising: a portable
sized housing adapted to be hand carried, held in pocket, or
removably attached to a user or user's clothing; in the housing, a
processor, a wireless transmitter operatively connected to the
processor, and a detector operatively connected to the processor,
the detector detecting one or more of the group comprising motion,
velocity, acceleration, orientation; the processor programmed to
instruct the transmitter to send a signal upon detection of a
certain type or types of movement of a user detected by the
detector.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wireless transmitter
further comprises a wireless transceiver.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the processor is selected from
the set comprising a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an
integrated circuit, a portion of an integrated circuit, and an
embedded computer.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the detector comprises an
accelerometer.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the accelerometer does not need
to have accuracy less than 10 mg's.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the detector is a geographic
position device.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the detector is a velocity
shift measurement device.
8. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the detector detects changes in
orientation or velocity of a mass.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising manually operable
control on the housing adapted for operation by a user.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the control is adapted to
create a signal through the processor to override a perceived need
for assistance status.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said certain type or types of
movement are indicative of need for assistance.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the detection and instruction
to the transceiver are processed by the apparatus.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the transmission occurs only
upon meeting a certain condition programmed into the processor.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the certain condition is
programmed by a switch setting.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said signal causes generation
of an alarm.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the alarm is sent to a
central control.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said central control
generates a call to a third party.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said comprises at least one
of a telephone call, a page, an e-mail, a cellular network
transmission, or a digital message.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the third party selected from
the group comprising emergency personnel and one or more persons
selected by the user.
20. A method of monitoring movement of a human body as a unit of
mass for possible need of assistance comprising: monitoring a
physical parameter of a person comprising one or more of velocity,
change in velocity, acceleration, change in position; transmitting
a signal of the physical parameter is indicative of need of
assistance.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the physical parameter
indicative of need of assistance is acceleration or change in
position above a certain threshold.
22. The method of claim 20 further comprising transmitting the
signal to a wide area communications network.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein the wide area communication
network transmits a signal to one of a central control, a
designated recipient, or the user.
24. The method of claim 20 wherein the monitoring of a physical
parameter comprises a carrying a relatively small portable, hand
sized or smaller device on the user.
25. The method of claim 20 further comprising monitoring a physical
parameter of a plurality of persons.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising a central control
adapted to receive a signal from any of the users and iterate a
responsive action.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein the responsive action can be one
or more of turning a query to the user, notifying third party,
transferring signal to another entity.
28. The method of claim 20 wherein transmission of signals is
accomplished over a wide area communications network.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein the wide area communications
network is a wireless paging system.
30. The method of claim 28 wherein the wide area network is a
cellular network.
31. The method of claim 28 wherein the wide area network is a
satellite based wide area communication network.
32. The method of claim 20 wherein the monitoring of a physical
parameter comprises a programmable threshold related to the
physical parameter.
33. A system for monitoring a human body as a unit of mass in order
to detect possible need for assistance comprising: one or more
portable user devices each adapted to be worn or carried by a user,
each device including a wireless transmitter and a monitor of
position and change in position of a device; a wireless wide area
communication network; each device programmed to generate a
submission from the device transmitter into the communication
network upon detection of the condition of indicative of a need for
assistance by the monitor of the device.
34. The system of claim 33 wherein the monitor comprises a device
selected from the group of an accelerometer, geographic position
sensor, a velocity shift detector, and a gyro.
35. The system of claim 33 further comprising a central control
operatively connected to the communication network.
36. The system of claim 35 wherein the central control includes a
processor with programming to evaluate any transmission from the
user device and take action based on one or more conditions.
37. The system of claim 36 wherein the actions are selected from
the set comprising: sending a query to the user, notifying third
parties, notifying an emergency responder, notifying a third party
via telephone, notifying a third party via pager, notifying a third
party via an electronic message.
38. The system of claim 33 wherein the monitor is set to detect
movement or lack of movement suggesting potential need for medical
assistance.
39. An apparatus for monitoring the human body as a unit of mass
comprising: a means for monitoring changes in velocity; a means to
transmit a signal if a change in velocity indicative of potential
need for assistance is sensed.
40. An apparatus for monitoring a human body as a unit of mass in
order to determine need of assistance, the apparatus comprising: an
accelerometer for measuring changes in velocity associated with a
human body, the accelerometer capable of outputting a signal
representing measured changes in velocity; an intelligent control
for receiving the signal from the accelerometer and determining if
the measured change is indicative of a need for assistance; a
transmitter electrically connected to the intelligent control, the
transmitter capable of sending a message to a remote location
indicative of a need for assistance.
41. The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising a housing; the
accelerometer, intelligent control, and transmitter contained in
the housing, the housing capable of being worn close to the human
body.
42. The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising a geographic
location device, the geographic location device capable of
determining the geographic location of the apparatus, the
geographic location device electrically connected to the
processor.
43. The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising a deactivation
component, the deactivation component electrically connected to the
processor, the deactivation component capable of sending a signal
to the processor indicative that there is no need for
assistance.
44. A system for monitoring a human body as a unit of mass in order
to determine need of assistance, the system comprising: a monitor
unit to be worn close to the human body, the monitor unit capable
of measuring velocity changes, comparing the velocity changes to a
threshold, and transmitting the measured velocity changes, the
monitor unit further capable of determining a geographic location
and transmitting the geographic location; a communications network
for receiving measured velocity changes and geographic location
from at least one monitor unit; a central control capable of
receiving messages from the communications network, the
communications network capable of forwarding measured velocity
changes and geographic location from a monitor unit, the central
control capable of forwarding to third parties.
45. An apparatus for monitoring a human body as a unit of mass in
order to determine need of assistance, the apparatus comprising: a
means for detecting changes in velocity; a means for determining a
need for assistance based on the detected changes in velocity; a
means for transmitting a signal indicative of a need of
assistance.
46. The apparatus of claim 45 further comprising a means for
detecting geographic location.
47. A system for notifying third parties of a need for assistance
of a human body based on changes of velocity of the human body
comprising: a monitor unit having a means for detecting changes in
velocity; a means for detecting changes in position; a means for
determining if changes in velocity indicate a need for assistance;
and a means of transmitting information indicative of a need for
assistance; a communications network having a means for receiving
transmitted information indicative of a need for assistance; and a
means for forwarding transmitted information indicative of a need
for assistance; a central control having a means of receiving
transmitted information indicative of a need for assistance from
the communications network; and a means of alerting a third party
by telephone, pager, or electronic message of the need for
assistance.
48. An apparatus adapted for monitoring acceleration and
deceleration of the user comprising: a sensor adapted to transduce
the average acceleration of a user when operatively mounted on the
user; a programmable processor operatively connected to the sensor;
a transceiver operatively connected to the processor and/or sensor;
a location sensing receiver operatively connected to the processor
to provide location data; software operatively loaded on the memory
of the processor and adapted to receive transduced information from
the sensor, compare the transduced information to pre-defined
parameters, and decide if any message should be transmitted through
the transceiver based on that comparison.
49. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the unit includes a mounting
system to allow the user to removeably mount the device to the
user, and where the unit does not require or rely on any invasive
attachment or direct connection to the user.
50. The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the mounting system comprises
an adjustable strap.
51. The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the mounting system comprises
an adhesive.
52. The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the mounting system comprises
a clip or similar attachment to clothing or other wearable
items.
53. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the sensor comprises an
accelerometer.
54. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the sensor comprises some
other device measuring change in velocity.
55. The apparatus of claim 48 further comprising a housing sized
for wearability by the user and which is mounted to the sensor.
56. The apparatus of claim 55 further comprising mounting the
processor and transceiver in the housing.
57. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the transceiver transmits and
receives radio energy waves.
58. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the parameters include
thresholds.
59. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein the thresholds have a value
that if exceeded, triggers a reportable event.
60. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein a reportable event triggers a
transmission by the transceiver.
61. The apparatus of claim 60 wherein the transmission comprises a
code.
62. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein the code is correlated to a
physiological condition of the user.
63. The apparatus of claim 60 wherein the transmission only occurs
on request or on a reportable event.
64. The apparatus of claim 48 further comprising a processing
center including a second transceiver adapted for communication
with said transceiver associated with said sensor.
65. The apparatus of claim 48 further comprising a geographical
location device.
66. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the geographical location
device comprises a global positioning system receiver.
67. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the geographical location
device comprises a triangulation processor.
68. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein said geographic device is
operatively connected to at least one of the processor and
transceiver.
69. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein both parameter exceeded and
location of a user are generated and available for transmission by
the transceiver.
70. The apparatus of claim 48 further comprising a manually
operable component adapted to generate a transmission by the
transceiver if so chooses the user.
71. The apparatus of claim 48 further comprising a second such
apparatus independently programmed, both first and second apparatus
adapted to communicate with a processing center transceiver.
72. The apparatus of claim 71 wherein said response comprises
generation of a signal to a third party.
73. A method for remote monitoring of an accelerated state of a
user comprising the steps of: transducing information related to
this state at or near the location of the state; comparing the
transduced information to pre-determined criteria at or near the
location of the state; monitoring further motion or states of the
user and comparing this to expected values; transmitting code if
indicated by the comparison.
74. The method of claim 73 wherein said step of transducing
comprises one or more physical conditions.
75. The method of claim 73 further comprising deriving geographic
location of the physical condition
76. The method of claim 75 wherein said code includes information
about the accelerated state and geographic location.
77. The method of claim 73 wherein said pre-determined criteria is
programmed into a processor at or near the physical location.
78. The method of claim 73 wherein said transmitted code is
correlated to an event based on the comparison of actual transduced
accelerated state to said pre-determined criteria.
79. The method of claim 73 wherein said transmitted code is
correlated to continuing or future movements after the initial
event, thereby showing possible degree of injury.
80. The method of claim 79 wherein an event is correlated to a
status of the physical condition that is determined to require
notification, treatment or response by a third party.
81. The method of claim 73 wherein the monitoring of physical
condition is related to non-medical purposes.
82. The method of claim 73 further comprising providing for a
processing center adapted to communicate to and from the location
of the physical condition.
83. The method of claim 82 wherein communication from the
processing center comprises a request for status or communication
check.
84. The method of claim 82 wherein the communication to the
processing center comprises transmission of periodic status
reports.
85. The method of claim 82 wherein an accelerated state is
transduced from a plurality of persons.
86. The method of claim 85 wherein the plurality of persons are
correlated to a set.
87. The method of claim 86 wherein the set is defined by a
geographic region.
88. The method of claim 86 wherein the set is defined by authorized
subscribers.
89. The method of claim 87 wherein the geographic region is taken
from the set comprising the world, a portion of the world, a
country, a portion of a country, and a subdivision of a portion of
a country.
90. The method of claim 73 further comprising generating a response
upon reception of a transmitted code.
91. The method of claim 90 wherein the response comprises calling a
third party.
92. The method of claim 91 wherein the third party is selected from
the set comprising ambulance company, doctor, fire department,
police, EMT, neighbor, or employer.
93. The method of claim 90 wherein the response is an automatically
generated signal.
94. The method of claim 90 wherein the response may be a radio
signal.
95. The method of claim 90 wherein the response may be an audible
sound signal.
96. The method of claim 73 wherein the physical condition is
related to a human being.
97. The method of claim 73 wherein the physical condition is
related to an animal.
98. The method of claim 73 further comprising a plurality of
processing centers geographically distributed.
99. The method of claim 98 further comprising a plurality of
wearable sensor/processors associated with subscribers to an
authorized processing center.
100. A system for remote monitoring of the accelerated state for a
plurality of users comprising: a wearable remote unit including an
accelerometer, and wireless transceiver all operatively in
communication with a processor; a processing center including a
wireless transceiver adapted for communication with the transceiver
on the remote units; pre-programmable parameters stored in the
processor of each remote unit customized for the user of each
remote unit; software programmed in the processor of each remote
unit adapted to compare a sensed acceleration with said customized
parameters and causing transmission of a code to the processing
center if indicated by the comparison.
101. The system of claim 100 further comprising an output at the
processing center which signals an indicated response action upon
receipt of a code from a remote unit.
102. The system of claim 100 further comprising a geographic
location device capable of calculating geographic location of the
remote unit in operative connection with at least one of the
processor and transmitter of the remote unit.
103. The system of claim 100 further comprising a manually operable
alert which causes transmission of a code by the transmitter.
104. The system of claim 100 further comprising a component
associated with the processing center adapted to generate status
and/or location calls to any remote unit.
105. The system of claim 105 further comprising software at the
processor of a remote unit adapted to periodically provide status
and/or location reports to the processing center.
106. The system of claim 100 wherein said sensor of a remote unit
is removable and substitutable.
107. The system of claim 100 wherein said acceleration is related
to a medical condition of the user.
108. The system of claim 100 wherein the acceleration is related to
a non-medical condition involving the user.
109. The system of claim 100 wherein the sensor is integrated with
the processor and transmitter.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0001] Co-owned, co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 09/666,732, filed Sep.
20, 2000, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention is an apparatus, method and system for
providing remote monitoring of a person's need for assistance
without necessarily monitoring physiological conditions at the
person. More particularly, the invention monitors user spatial
orientation, velocity and acceleration changes, and based on these
changes, the invention determines if assistance may be required.
The invention determines the location of the user and selectively
communicates the location; orientation information obtained from
the spatial orientation, velocity, and acceleration sensors; and
the current alert status to a remote location.
PROBLEMS IN THE ART
[0003] There is an ever-growing number of people that engage in
independent and/or active lifestyles but still may be susceptible
to injury. Friends, family, loved ones, caretakers, caregivers, and
other persons may not always be physically present to accompany or
monitor the person. The friends, loved ones, caretakers,
caregivers, and other persons may, however, want to be notified in
case of any emergency situation involving the person susceptible to
injury. One solution to this problem has been physiological
monitoring. One example of physiological monitoring is the commonly
owned application titled APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOTE
MONITORING OF PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS, filed on Sep. 20, 2000 and
having Ser. No. 09/666,732. In physiological monitoring, a person
or user is connected to one or more physiological monitoring
devices to monitor vital signs or other physiological information.
Physiological monitoring has had numerous problems.
[0004] Typically, a physiological monitoring device senses
physiological conditions of the user and immediately transmits
these conditions to another location which remotely processes the
information. Problems are present in the communication link from
the device on a user to the central location. Some problems are
related to the amount of physiological data that is sent. In order
to properly monitor the vital signs or other physiological
information of the user, frequent or continuous transmissions must
be made. These transmissions may consume more bandwidth and more
power than is desirable.
[0005] Another related problem concerning physiological monitoring
devices involves the integrity of the information received over the
communication link. Particularly where there is a large amount of
information being transmitted in the process, there is the
opportunity for this information to be corrupted. Where
physiological information is corrupted in the transmission process,
the goal of monitoring for emergency events and conditions is not
fulfilled.
[0006] In addition, there is a security or privacy problem
associated with transmission of physiological information. Users
are not particularly amenable to having their physiological
information capable of being monitored by third parties. Although
these problems may be addressed through some extent through error
checking and encryption, attempts at solving these problems may
increase the bandwidth, or otherwise increase the overall
complexity and cost of the device.
[0007] Another related problem is that these continuous
transmissions of physiological data require additional power
requirements that may make it infeasible for a battery operated
device or else may result in a device that is large or cumbersome
or requires frequent battery replacement.
[0008] In addition, the remote processing of this information may
take considerable time. If there is a medical emergency, this must
be known as soon as possible so that there is adequate time to
respond to the emergency.
[0009] A further problem is that even when the physiological
conditions of a user are monitored, the location of the user needs
to also be known so that medical assistance can find the user if
required.
[0010] Yet, another problem with physiological monitoring is that
physiological monitoring requires a complex device such as with
multiple sensors attached to the users body and other inherent
constraints in current designs. These constraints make
physiological monitoring inconvenient, uncomfortable and
undesirable for users. In addition, these extra sensors may require
design complexity that increases the overall size of the device. A
larger, heavier device is also inconvenient for users to wear.
[0011] Another problem with physiological monitoring involves false
alerts due to inaccurate monitoring. Physiological sensors may
become displaced or detached from the body area they are
monitoring. This results in the transmitted physiological readings
not being reflective of the actual physiological condition of the
user. Those monitoring the physiological conditions may only know
the physiological readings and not realize that the sensors are
simply not properly attached. This may result in false alerts.
[0012] These and other problems have made remote monitoring of
people cumbersome, inconvenient, or sometimes unworkable.
OBJECTIVES, FEATURES, OR ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0013] It is therefore a primary objective, feature, or advantage
of the present invention to provide an apparatus, method, and
system which improve upon the state of the art.
[0014] It is another objective, feature, or advantage of the
present invention to provide a system and method of user monitoring
capable of alerting the desired response personnel.
[0015] Yet another objective, feature, or advantage of the present
invention is to provide a monitoring device that may be comfortably
worn.
[0016] It is a further objective, feature, or advantage of the
present invention to provide a means of communicating alert
information to emergency or health care professionals.
[0017] It is yet another objective, feature or advantage of the
present invention to provide a monitoring device that is relatively
simple in operation.
[0018] It is yet another objective, feature or advantage of the
present invention to provide a remote monitoring device that
requires only limited bandwidth.
[0019] It is yet another objective, feature or advantage of the
present invention to provide a monitoring device that does not
require any sensing devices, electrodes, tools, or equipment to be
placed in direct contact with the user's skin.
[0020] It is yet another objective, feature, or advantage of the
present invention to provide a monitoring device that is capable of
onboard computations, monitoring, and decision making.
[0021] It is a further objective, feature, or advantage of the
present device to provide an optional means of tracking the
location of a person using the device, and communicate their
location to medical care responders or other care providers.
[0022] It is yet another objective, feature, or advantage of the
invention to optionally use the location-tracking device to provide
data on the position and state, velocity, or acceleration of a
person.
[0023] It is a further objective, feature, or advantage of the
present device to provide an optional means of alerting nearby
persons to the situation, and to attract the attention of rescue
personnel upon their arrival.
[0024] It is a further objective, feature, or advantage of the
present invention to provide information for updating notification
information through a web-based interface.
[0025] It is a still further objective, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide a system that may be cheaper, more
durable, and more reliable than physiological monitoring.
[0026] It is a still further objective, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide a method, system, and apparatus
for remote user monitoring with reduced likelihood of false
alerts.
[0027] It is a still further objective, feature, or advantage of
the present invention to provide a means of transmitting
information that need not be continuous and may be transmitted in a
burst transfer.
[0028] These and other objectives, features, or advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the specification and
claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The invention is a monitor unit that monitors a human body
as a unit of mass including velocity, velocity changes, and other
physical status and orientation information. The monitor unit is
designed to be worn close to the body and may be worn on a person's
clothing, such as on a belt, or placed in a pocket. The monitor
unit determines whether there is a need for assistance based upon
movement changes. These movement changes may be changes in
velocity, changes in position, or acceleration.
[0030] The monitor unit is capable of communicating the need for
assistance to a communications network, capable of notifying third
parties of the need for assistance. The monitoring unit may also
include a geographic location device so that location information
may also be transmitted to a communications network so that a third
party receives location information as well. The monitoring unit
may also include an optional deactivation switch so that if there
is no emergency, the person wearing the device can prevent a need
for assistance alert from being sent. In addition, the sensitivity
of the device may be set according to the needs of a particular
person.
[0031] The invention also provides for a method of determining
whether there is a need for assistance based on the movement
changes sensed by the device.
[0032] The invention also provides for a system that includes a
communication network and central control or directly to a selected
person's telephone, pacer or other communication device. The
communication network is capable of receiving transmitted signals
from the monitor unit. The communication network may be a paging
network, a cellular telephone network, a satellite network, a radio
communications network, or other network. The communication network
can then forward any need for assistance messages to a central
control or directly to a selected person's telephone, pager, or
other communication device. The central control can then process
this information as needed and issue notification messages to users
by telephone, pager, or electronic messaging.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an accelerometer
having three axes such as may be used in an exemplary
embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the monitor unit according to
one embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of the system of the
present invention permitting third parties to receive alerts
concerning monitored persons.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the
notification process of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the
processing of acceleration information.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of
the processing of acceleration information.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary message from the
monitor unit.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow of information from the
monitor to those being notified of an alert.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a user interface that permits a user
to modify contact information for people who are notified.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
[0042] Overview
[0043] For a better understanding of the invention, an exemplary
embodiment will now be described in detail. Frequent reference will
be taken to the drawings. Reference numerals and letters will be
used in the drawings to indicate certain parts and locations in the
drawings. The same reference numerals or letters will indicate the
same parts or locations throughout the drawings unless otherwise
indicated.
[0044] Apparatus of Exemplary Embodiment
[0045] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an accelerometer 10 that may
record readings in 3 axes over a range of g forces. In a three-axis
accelerometer, as shown, measurements are made over the X dimension
12, the Y dimension 14, and the Z dimension 16. The present
invention contemplates, that if need be, multiple one axis or two
axis accelerometers may be used (the accelerometers oriented on
different planes) such that acceleration may be measured with
respect to all three axes. One example of a type of accelerometer
that may be used is the IMEMS ADXL210, which is available from
Analog Devices. The criteria for the device includes size, power
consumption, and impact measurement range and accuracy.
Accelerometers that are smaller in size, have reduced power
consumption, and have increased impact measurement range and
increased measurement accuracy are preferred. For example, an
accelerometer may have an impact measurement range that is less
than or equal to 10 g's, and may have an accuracy of 10 mg's or
less.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates that accelerometer 10 is a part of a user
monitor 18. The accelerometer 10 is electrically connected to a
processor 20. The specific interface between processor 20 and
accelerometer 10 is dependent upon the specific processor 20 and
the specific accelerometer 10 used. The present invention
contemplates that this interface may be through a standard RS-232
serial communication; proprietary interfaces; I.sup.2C, SPI or
other bus interfaces. Similarly, digital outputs of the
accelerometer 10 may be connected to digital inputs on the
processor 20 and that digital inputs to the accelerometer, if any,
may be connected to digital outputs on the processor 20.
[0047] The present invention also recognizes that sensors other
than accelerometers may be used, that sense information that can be
used to calculate impact. Other devices that sense acceleration or
other velocity shift measurement devices may be used. Such
alternate measurement devices may include a more accurate GPS
system or other location determining system.
[0048] The processor 20 may be a standard RISC-133 processor,
though many other intelligent devices are contemplated by this
invention. The present invention is not limited to a particular
type of processor. Preferably the processor used is small,
lightweight, and has low power consumption. In addition to a
processor, other intelligent control devices may be used. The
present invention contemplates that a processor, microprocessor,
microcontroller, digital signal processor, integrated circuit, or
portion of an integrated circuit may also be used. The intelligence
of the device may be implemented in hardware, software, or a
combination thereof.
[0049] The processor 20 is also electrically connected to
transmitter 22. Transmitter 22 is capable of transmitting
information, such as alert messages that will be discussed later in
detail, from the processor to a remote location. The transmitter 22
may be a transmitter such as used in pager. The transmitter 22 may
be either a one-way pager or a two-way pager such as may be used
with the SKYTEL network or pager network. The transmitter 22 may
use any number of standard paging protocols such as the MOTOROLA
REFLEX protocol. The present invention contemplates that the type
of network used and the corresponding transmitter need not be a
paging unit, but could be a cellular network using CDPD or other
technology, a satellite network, or other type of wireless network
such as may be known in the art. The type of transmitter 22 is
selected based on considerations of low power requirements, safe
close-proximity transmission, and adequate structure penetration.
The messages sent over the communication channel can be small and
simple binary strings as will be explained.
[0050] A deactivation means 24 is also shown in FIG. 2.
Deactivation means 24 is electrically connected to processor 20.
The deactivation means 24 may be a button or other switch that
serves as a user input to the processor. The purpose of
deactivation means 24 is to provide the user of the device 18 with
a method of preventing an alert from occurring. The purpose of the
deactivation means 24 will become even clearer in later discussion
of the invention.
[0051] FIG. 2 also shows the optional use of GPS unit 26, display
28, and alarm 30. These components may all be connected to
processor 20 in the manner suggested by the particular GPS unit 26,
display 28, and alarm 30 used.
[0052] The GPS unit 26 may communicate with processor 20 through
proprietary messaging associated with a particular GPS unit 26 over
a proprietary interface associated with the particular GPS unit 26.
Alternatively, the GPS unit 26 can communicate with the processor
20 through an RS-232 interface (for signaling purposes, but voltage
level may be 5V or other standard) using the standard NMEA protocol
such as is well known in the art. The GPS unit 26 may be an
embedded chip such as is available from Garmin and other
manufacturers.
[0053] A display 28 is another option of the monitoring device 18.
The device provides its wearer with a visual indication of whether
an alert has successfully been sent and received or whether or not
monitor unit 18 has successfully been deactivated. The present
invention contemplates that other information may be displayed on
display 28 as may be convenient for the user of device 18.
[0054] The optional alarm 30 is also electrically connected to
processor 20. The alarm may be a loud audible alarm so to draw the
attention of others when activated. The present invention
contemplates that the alarm may also be visual in nature, such as a
flashing light, or other indicator of an emergency situation.
[0055] If CPDP, cellular, or other voice communication networks are
used, the present invention contemplates that the device may also
include a voice construction component. The voice construction
component may be implemented through software in the processor, or
may be implemented with an integrated circuit, or portion of an
integrated circuit.
[0056] The monitor unit may also include an optional sensitivity
settings that may be selected through dipswitches or may be
programmed. Different users will require different sensitivity
settings. For example, a 90 year old man may require greater
sensitivity to changes in velocity or acceleration than a 13 year
old boy. Age, size, and condition as well as other factors may be
taken into account when determining the proper setting for
sensitivity.
[0057] As the invention monitors the status of the body as a unit
of mass, preferably the monitor unit 18 is placed at or close to
the center of mass for an individual. Preferably, the monitor unit
18 is snug with a location such as in the trunk or torso and not an
arm or leg.
[0058] System of an Exemplary Embodiment
[0059] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the system of the
present invention. In FIG. 3, users 31 each carry the monitor unit
10. User 31A carries the monitor unit 10 on a strap 32 capable of
being worn around the neck. User 31B carries the monitor unit 10 on
a belt 36. User 31C carries the monitor unit 10 in pocket 34. The
monitor unit 10 is in communication with a distributed network such
as SKYTEL 38. The distributed network SKYTEL 38 is in communication
with a central control 40. This communication between SKYTEL 38 and
central control 40 may be through an Internet connection such as is
known in the art. For example, electronic messages may be sent from
a pager over SKYTEL to an Internet email address.
[0060] Central control 40 is also connected to the public telephone
system 42. Central control 40 can then forward messages to those
who are to be notified 44 through the public telephone system 42.
The present invention permits central control 40 to notify the
persons to be notified 44 through other means such as through
electronic email or through paging.
[0061] Exemplary Method of the Present Invention
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates the logical flow of one embodiment of the
method of the invention. In step 46, an accelerometer output an
acceleration reading or an acceleration or velocity change reading
is otherwise calculated. The accelerometer reading is then compared
to a threshold Q in step 48. Q is a threshold selected for the
particular user of the device. The threshold is selected on the
basis of physical size of the person as well as the condition of
the user. The greater the Q the higher the force that the person
wearing the device is expected to be able to withstand without
harm. If the measured acceleration is not greater than Q, then the
accelerometer is read again in step 46. If the acceleration is
greater than the Q threshold, then in step 50, the user is
notified. This notification can be accomplished through the use of
the display 28 or the alarm 30, or other means such as would be
convenient. Once the user is notified in step 50, a countdown is
initiated in step 52. The countdown relates to a set period of time
during which the user may deactivate the alarm. If the countdown is
completed without deactivation, then an alert is transmitted. As
step 54 shows, a determination is made as to whether the alarm is
deactivated. If the user does deactivate the alarm such as through
pressing of a button or switch, then there is no alert transmitted
and the acceleration is read again in step 46. If there is no
deactivation, then in step 56 a determination is made as to whether
the countdown is complete. The time of the countdown is selected
based upon the particular user of the device and the amount of time
reasonably necessary to ensure that if the user is not injured, the
user will have time to press a button or otherwise deactivate the
device prior to any alert being transmitted. This amount of time is
selected based upon the physical condition of the user, the type of
deactivation means used, how the monitor unit 18 is typically worn,
and other considerations related to the amount of time the user may
require for deactivation. If the countdown is not complete, then in
step 56, the processor again determines whether the alert has been
deactivated in step 54. If the countdown is complete in step 56,
then in step 58 an alert is transmitted.
[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. This embodiment permits an alert to be transmitted only
when an acceleration reading has been at a particular level,
defined as between the threshold Q and the threshold R, only once
during a particular amount of time, X. This embodiment is useful in
that it can be used to eliminate false triggering that may occur
when a person wearing a monitor unit 10 travels in a car or other
vehicle, thus experiences acceleration unrelated to the physical
condition of the person. In addition, this embodiment is useful in
that if there is additional acceleration after time X, it is
apparent that the person is not in medical danger and no alert need
be transmitted. For example, a person could fall and then get up on
their own, thus there would be no need for an alert.
[0064] In FIG. 5, step 60, the accelerometer is read. Then in step
62 a determination is made as to whether the acceleration is
greater than the threshold Q and the acceleration is lower than a
threshold R. If the acceleration is not greater than the threshold
Q and the acceleration is less than a threshold R then in step 64 a
timer is started for X seconds. In step 66, another determination
is made as to whether the acceleration is greater than the
threshold Q and the acceleration is lower than a threshold R. If
so, then no alert is transmitted, and the accelerometer is read
again in step 60. If not, then in step 68 a determination is made
as to whether the X seconds have elapsed in step 68. If not, then
the process returns to step 66 and another determination is made as
to whether the acceleration is greater than the threshold Q and the
acceleration is lower than a threshold R. If X seconds have
elapsed, then in step 70, an alert is transmitted.
[0065] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, except for instead of the
acceleration being compared to the range between Q and R, the
acceleration is being compared to the range between R and T. In
addition, instead of the timer being set for X seconds as in FIG.
5, the timer is set for Y seconds.
[0066] It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that
multiple embodiments may be combined and used together. For
example, if the acceleration is over a first value, then an alert
is transmitted (after opportunity for deactivation). This setting
would cover those instances of great acceleration where it is clear
that a person may be endangered from the level of the acceleration.
In addition, the acceleration could be compared to a second range.
When the acceleration is in this range only once in X amount of
time, the person may be endangered. In addition, the acceleration
could be compared to a third range. When the acceleration is in
this third range only once in Y amount of time, the person may be
endangered.
[0067] It should be apparent that this method of comparing
accelerometer thresholds and timing the occurrences of
accelerometer readings that are greater than or less than these
thresholds permits alerts to be transmitted that relate to the
amount of force that the person wearing the accelerometer is
experiencing. The amount of force is related to the presence or
absence of an alert condition.
[0068] The present invention also contemplates more complex methods
of operation concerning the transformation of sensed accelerometer
readings into indications of the need for assistance.
[0069] The present invention contemplates that the acceleration
readings may be sampled at any number of rates. However, the
present invention also recognizes that by reducing the number of
accelerometer readings required, the power consumption of the
monitor unit 18 is reduced, thus extending battery life. The
present invention also recognizes that the accelerometer may sample
and communicate those samples to the processor faster than is
required to monitor a person. The frequency of sampling is also
related to the velocity at which the person is moving. The higher
the velocity, the greater the need for more frequent sampling so as
to ensure more accurate calculations of acceleration. The present
invention contemplates that for many applications, sampling need
not be greater in frequency than 5 times per second. However,
higher sampling rates may be used.
[0070] FIG. 7 shows a message 84 having a user ID 86, an
accelerometer reading 88, a parameter 90, and a latitude/longitude
92. The user ID 86 may be a 12-digit code. The accelerometer
reading 88 may be a five significant digit number representing an
accelerometer reading between 0 and 10 g's and the direction of
acceleration. For example, one accelerometer reading may be 2.61 g.
The parameter 90 may also be a four significant digit number
between 0 and 10 g's representing the threshold that has been
exceeded. For example, one threshold may be 2.00 g. When the
acceleration exceeds the parameter, both the parameter and the
threshold may be sent. The parameter may be necessary to
communicate which type of event detection was used when a device
supports multiple methods of detection. The latitude/longitude 92
provides a location, such as from a GPS. The latitude and longitude
provide the hours, minutes, and seconds associated with the current
(or last known) location of the monitor 18. The present invention
is in no way limited by the particular message being sent as the
present invention contemplates numerous variations on the message
to indicate that an alert should be issued.
[0071] The user can assign the party to be notified. The user can
select to notify a loved one instead of emergency officials or a
call center. The loved one receives a phone call and hears a
message relaying the location, nearest major intersection, and
amount of parameter violation in lay terms. Suitable action can
then be taken.
[0072] FIG. 9 is a representation of a web based user interface of
the present invention. In FIG. 9, a user is provided the ability to
select the people who are to be notified in case of an emergency.
Through use of web based interface, user may add, change, or delete
the name of the person to be notified in case of there being a need
for assistance. In addition, a user can modify the information
associated with each name, including the telephone number, the
e-mail address, and the pager number associated with each person.
In addition, the user can select that method of contact for that
person, including the selection of multiple methods. Thus, for
example, a person may be contacted via telephone, e-mail, and by
pager.
[0073] FIG. 8 further illustrates the information flow in one
embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8 certain information
is transmitted from the monitor unit 18. This information may
include a user ID, an accelerometer reading, a parameter that has
been exceeded, and a latitude/longitude. This information is sent
or forwarded to a central control from the SKYTEL network, or other
paging system. For example, the information could be electronically
mailed or otherwise sent to the central control such as is well
known in the art. The information received from the monitor unit is
used for different purposes. For example, the user ID is used to
provide a lookup function 94. This lookup may be in a database,
such as a relational database. Other information that may be
associated with the user ID include the user's name, the identity
of those who are to be notified, and telephone numbers and email
addresses of those who are to be notified. The present invention
contemplates that other information may also be associated with the
user ID, such as information related to the health of the user.
[0074] The accelerometer reading and the threshold parameter
information is used by an analysis function 96 of the present
invention. The analysis function 96 can be used to provide
additional analysis of the accelerometer information. The analysis
function 96 can take into account other information as well,
including the condition of the user as well as the location of the
user, past injuries, past alerts, and other information such as may
be useful in predicting more information concerning the meaning of
the acceleration or acceleration change experienced by the
user.
[0075] The latitude and longitude or other location information may
be used by a geographical information systems (GIS) function 98 of
the present invention. The GIS lookup function 98 can correlate a
precise GPS location with a particular street address, nearest
intersection, or other location information that is more
descriptive to a person.
[0076] The present invention permits a person to be notified to be
called. The present invention also contemplates that the person to
be notified may be otherwise contacted such as by paging or through
electronic mail or other electronic messaging. When a person is to
be called, a dialer function 100 may be used to dial the telephone
number associated with each person who is to be notified. A voice
construction component 102 may be used to translate the information
concerning the user's identity, location, and information
concerning the problem into voice information communicated within
the phone message 104. The voice construction component may be any
number of text to voice applications used in telephony and other
applications and such as are known in the art.
[0077] The present invention contemplates various other
configurations and modes of operation. For example, monitor unit 18
of FIG. 2 may be combined with or otherwise used in conjunction
with a device for physiological monitoring such as disclosed and
apparatus, method and system for remote monitoring of physiological
conditions, U.S. application Ser. No. 09/666,732, incorporated by
reference herein. In this and other combinations contemplated by
the present invention, transduced medical conditions such as blood
pressure, heart rate, temperature, and other conditions would be
monitored, in addition to the acceleration, change in velocity, or
rather physical parameter related to the force.
[0078] In order to provide additional description of the present
invention, step-by-step examples are now given for particular
configurations, communications, and modes of operation of the
present invention. It is to be understood, that these examples are
in no way limiting. The present invention contemplates various
other configurations, and modes of operation.
[0079] Monitoring of a Person Prone to Injury Upon Falling
[0080] For purposes of this example, a person is at risk of injury
during a fall due to osteoporosis or similar disease. They wish to
notify their loved ones, care providers or emergency officials in
case of an accident in case they are incapacitated. The user,
however, also maintains a healthy and active lifestyle, and often
engages in early morning walks, golf, and other activities where
they may alone for a length of time. While not at grave risk for
medical problems, it is possible that the user becomes unable to
move towards assistance and may be in areas where others would be
unaware of their difficulty.
[0081] Rather than requiring invasive or restrictive monitoring
devices that the user would rapidly tire of wearing, this unit
would be simply attached to a belt, waistband, or other clothing
item normally worn. This encourages the user to continue wearing
the device and to include it as part of their daily lifestyle and
regimen. This is important for the low-risk user that is yet
capable of sustaining a disabling injury while away from areas
frequented by other people and potential caregivers.
[0082] On board criteria is set to different parameters depending
on the risk level of the user. In this case, a gentle fall that
might leave a bruise on a more robust bone structure could result
in a broken hip or leg; therefore the unit is programmed by the
user to send an alert after a relatively low impact or change in
velocity (acceleration). Velocity changes and settings can be based
upon the age and height of the user, where on the body the unit is
located, and the condition of the user. For example, a person may
be at risk when exceeding a 2.00 g force.
[0083] Upon event occurrence, in this case, a fall of 2.61 g, the
first notification is local to the user. This beep and countdown
feature allows the users to deactivate the device with a
button-push if they have fallen, dropped the device independently
of their person, or otherwise activated the monitoring unit. If the
device is not deactivated within a short time, a signal is
generated as shown in FIG. 7.
[0084] The information sent includes the threshold parameter of
2.00 g. This indicates which threshold was exceeded. Based on the
accelerometer reading and the threshold that was exceeded, further
information concerning the event triggering the alert may be
determined, or the event may be further categorized. For example,
the event may be categorized as "a serious fall." In addition the
location information corresponding to a latitude of 27.degree. 43'
09" and a longitude of 85.degree. 32' 09" seconds correlates to a
specific street address and intersection. It is not necessary to
transmit the entire location information such as east, west, north,
south, where it is known that a person's activity will be limited
in geographical scope.
[0085] Based upon the received information, a loved one or an
emergency response unit may contacted. For example, a family member
may be notified by telephone of who may have sustained an injury,
where the person is, and some information concerning the severity
of the injury based upon the force involved.
[0086] An apparatus, method, and system for remote monitoring of
need for assistance based on change in velocity has been disclosed.
It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention contemplates numerous variations in the type of
communication system used, the type of sensor used, the message
transmitted from the monitor unit, the message received by a person
to be notified, the amount of analysis performed on the information
received, the type and number of thresholds used, and other
variations such as a particular use or environment may require or
suggest. In addition, it should be apparent to one skilled in the
art that the present invention may be combined with physiological
monitoring devices.
* * * * *